Hudson Valley

Pick Your Own Blueberries and More at These Hudson Valley Farms

Submitted by Marisa Iallonardo on Fri, 07/12/2019 - 10:00am

Strawberry-picking season may be coming to an end, but never fear: we've got the scoop on Hudson Valley f arms and orchards where you can pick your own blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, and more all summer long.

Here are a few of our favorite places to go berry picking in the lower Hudson Valley, whether you decide to go for the morning or to make an entire day of it. Either way, be sure to call ahead to make sure the farm has berries on hand.

Looking for even more outdoor fun? Check out our Summer Activity Guide for Westchester Kids.

10 Destination Parks for Westchester Families

Submitted by Christi O'Donnell on Sun, 07/07/2019 - 12:00pm

Westchester County and the lower Hudson Valley area are brimming with beautiful state, county, and local parks that are wonderful places to spend a day in the natural beauty of the Hudson Valley. We've rounded up several day trip–worthy spots that feature amenities like cool playgrounds, swimming in lakes and rivers, boat rentals, splash pads, picnicking, and hiking trails. Want to extend your stay? Some also offer camping.

Read on for more details about some of the area's best parks for all-day family fun. For even more outdoor activities, check out our Summer Activity Guide for Westchester Kids.

Hudson Valley Balloon Festival 2019 Returns to Rhinebeck, NY

Submitted by Sandy on Fri, 07/05/2019 - 10:00am

Huge, colorful, hot-air balloons will take to the skies above Rhinebeck next weekend for the Hudson Valley Hot-Air Balloon Festival. This summertime family favorite features synchronized launches that decorate the sky with festive colors and eye-popping designs. Whether you choose to take a ride (tethered or otherwise), or watch with your feet firmly planted on the ground, the experience is well worth a day trip.

The 28th annual festival will continue to be held at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds in Rhinebeck—from Friday, July 12 to Sunday, July 14, 2019. Read on for details about this Insta-worthy festival, and consult our Summer Activity Guide for more fun all season long. If you haven't already, stay in the know about family attractions like this by signing up for our newsletters and following us on Facebook.

July GoList: The Best Things To Do with Westchester Kids

Submitted by Susan Miele on Sun, 06/30/2019 - 11:00am

Summe r fun is in full swing for families in Westchester and the Hudson Valley! Our July GoList features all the best events happening in July, including the colorful Hudson Valley Hot-Air Balloon Festival and a high-end Jazz Festival developed in partnership with Jazz at Lincoln Center.

The month kicks off with a slew of 4th of July fireworks and also features scads of FREE outdoor concerts and movie screenings, plus various summer festivals.

Notably, July 20 marks the 50^th anniversary of the first moon landing. Various venues are commemorating the occasion, including Westchester libraries, which are putting their own spin on ways to provide out-of-this-world fun. July also marks Harry Potter’s fictitious birthday, and various Potter birthday celebrations are planned.

Now get your calendars ready and read on for our top picks for July. And there’s plenty more where that came from in our Event Calendar (updated frequently!) and weekly newsletters.

Top Swimming Lakes and Rivers for Westchester Families

Submitted by Marisa Iallonardo on Fri, 06/14/2019 - 10:00am

Pools and splash pads are great for summer fun—but when it comes to cooling off in the great outdoors, the Hudson Valley's lakes and rivers can't be beat. While you won’t find many in Westchester, the Hudson Valley in general offers plenty of places to jump in and go for a swim, including some that merit a day trip—or even an overnighter at a family campground. Here, we’ve rounded up several lakes and rivers that are perfect for swimming with kids, from the Hudson River to Lake Taghkanic.

Looking for even more fun in the sun? Check out our full summer guide for great ideas for the whole family.

Free Outdoor Summer Movies for Westchester and Hudson Valley Families

Submitted by Susan Miele on Sun, 06/09/2019 - 9:00am

Summertime means loose schedules and later bedtimes, which is perfect for taking advantage of the abundance of FREE outdoor movies offered throughout Westchester and the Hudson Valley.

We’ve rounded up an assortment of outdoor flicks for your family’s enjoyment—films both old and new, and for a range of ages, with the added appeal of a Hudson River view or sand in your shoes. Some offer added amenities like pre-film entertainment (from live bands to magic shows and more), complimentary refreshments, or food for purchase. But all have one thing in common: FREE summer fun!

For an alternative take on outdoor movies, check out our roundup of drive-in movie theaters. Looking for outdoor concerts? We've got you covered there, too! And don't forget to consult our complete Summer Activity Guide and Event Calendar.

Best Swimming Pools for Westchester and Hudson Valley Families

Submitted by Marisa Iallonardo on Fri, 06/07/2019 - 11:00am

Nothing says summer like a day at the pool, and there's no shortage of spots in Westchester and the lower Hudson Valley to take a dip. These area pools offer everything from water slides and three-foot waves to a lazy river! Need a break? Many have concession stands and places to picnic, as well as playgrounds, hiking trails, mini-golf, and other activities to truly make it a great day out.

Here, we’ve rounded up a few of our favorites. Some of these—particularly the Westchester pools—require county residency, so take note before you head out. Another note: Yonkers' Sprain Ridge Pool remains closed for repairs, but a 2019 reopening may still be in the cards, so stay tuned!

Prefer splash pads instead? Check out our list of go-to spots—and look to our Summer Guide for even more warm-weather fun.

Free Outdoor Summer Family Concerts in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

Submitted by Susan Miele on Sun, 06/02/2019 - 12:00pm

Grab a blanket, picnic dinner, and family and friends: A free outdoor concert is just the thing to end your day on a relaxing note.

This summer, many towns and villages are hosting bands playing everything from rock and jazz to country and swing. Some concerts are even dedicated specifically to the younger set, with local kid-bop stars piling on the entertainment. While some events involve a modest fee for parking and perhaps the optional food purchase, admission is our favorite price: FREE.

Looking for more summer fun? We've also rounded up FREE outdoor movies for yet more ways to soak up the season. Also consult our Event Calendar and Summer Activity Guide, 'cause there's loads more in store. Be sure to sign up for our newsletter to stay informed of more great ways to rock this summer!

10 Great Family Campgrounds in and Near Westchester

Submitted by Christi O'Donnell on Fri, 05/24/2019 - 10:00am

If camping is on your summer bucket list, you’re in luck: There are lots of campsites both in and around Westchester and the Hudson Valley, which means you’ll never be at a shortage for places to pitch your tent for a few nights.

Next time you’re ready to pack up your sleeping bag and s’mores provisions, consider staying at one of these area campgrounds, some of which offer even more fun activities for kids, like playgrounds and beaches.

Prefer something a little different? Check out these alternative camping ideas—and our entire summer activity guide!

Top Playgrounds for Kids in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

Submitted by Lisa Johnston on Sun, 05/19/2019 - 10:00am

Beautiful parks are plentiful throughout Westchester and Lower Hudson Valley—and while picnicking, hiking, and gorgeous views are great, what kids tend to care about most is the playground.

It's generally easy enough to find a playground nearby, but sometimes it's worth heading out past your neighborhood park for a playground that packs a little more punch. We've rounded up seven fun spots that are worth the drive. All boast imaginative play structures, shade, and other amenities that add up to a day of fun for the whole family.